How to remove LNK/Agent

What is LNK/Agent

LNK/Agent is a heuristic detection name used to identify a variety of Trojans that exploit Windows shortcut files (.LNK files) to execute malicious payloads. These payloads can range from downloading and installing other malware to providing remote access to the infected computer. The versatility of the LNK/Agent Trojan makes it a potent threat, capable of stealing sensitive information, incorporating the infected machine into a botnet, or even directly damaging files and systems. The LNK/Agent Trojan is a type of malware that has been a persistent threat to Windows users. It is primarily known for its method of infection through maliciously crafted shortcut files (.LNK files), which serve as a gateway for further malicious activities. This article delves into the nature of LNK/Agent, its infection mechanisms, and comprehensive strategies for its removal. Removing the LNK/Agent Trojan from an infected system requires a multi-faceted approach, involving the use of specialized malware removal tools and manual interventions. Here is a step-by-step guide to effectively eradicate this threat.

How LNK/Agent infected your system

The infection process of LNK/Agent typically involves the creation or modification of LNK files to execute harmful executables. Cybercriminals often distribute these infected LNK files via email attachments, malicious advertisements, or compromised websites. When an unsuspecting user interacts with the malicious shortcut, it triggers the execution of the Trojan’s payload. LNK files are legitimate components of the Windows operating system, used to create shortcuts to various files and applications. This makes it challenging for users to distinguish between benign and malicious LNK files. The Trojan takes advantage of this by disguising itself as a harmless shortcut, often mimicking the icons of popular applications to trick users into executing it.

1. Download LNK/Agent Removal Tool
2. Use Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool to remove LNK/Agent
3. Use Autoruns to remove LNK/Agent
4. Files, folders and registry keys of LNK/Agent
5. Other aliases of LNK/Agent
6. How to protect from threats, like LNK/Agent

Remove LNK/Agent manually

Manual removal of LNK/Agent by inexperienced users may become a difficult task because it does not create entries in Add/Remove Programs under Control Panel, does not install browser extensions, and uses random file names. However, there are pre-installed instruments in the Windows system, that allow you to detect and remove malware without using third-party applications. One of them is Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool. It comes with Windows Update in Windows 11, 10, 8. 8.1. For older operating system you can download it here: 64-bit version | 32-bit version.

Remove LNK/Agent using Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool

1. Type mrt in the search box near Start Menu.
2. Run mrt clicking on found item.
3. Click Next button.
4. Choose one of the scan modes Quick scan, Full scan, Customize scan (Full scan recommended).
5. Click Next button.
6. Click on View detailed results of the scan link to view the scan details.
7. Click Finish button.

Remove LNK/Agent using Autoruns

LNK/Agent often sets up to run at Windows startup as an Autorun entry or Scheduled task.

1. Download Autoruns using this link.
2. Extract the archive and run Autoruns.exe file.
3. In Options menu make sure there are checkboxes near Hide Empty Locations, Hide Microsoft Entries, and Hide Windows Entries.
4. Search for suspicious entries with weird names or running from locations like: C:\{username}\AppData\Roaming.
5. Right-click on suspicious entry and choose Delete. This will prevent the threat to run at startup.
6. Switch to Scheduled Tasks tab and do the same.
7. To remove files themselves, click on suspicious entries and choose Jump to Entry…. Remove files or registry keys found.

Remove files, folder and registry keys of LNK/Agent

LNK/Agent files and folders


{randomname}.exe


LNK/Agent registry keys


no information


Aliases of LNK/Agent

How to protect from threats, like LNK/Agent, in future

Standard Windows protection or any decent third-party antivirus (Norton, Avast, Kaspersky) should be able to detect and remove LNK/Agent. However, if you got infected with LNK/Agent with existing and updated security software, you may consider changing it. To feel safe and protect your PC from LNK/Agent on all levels (browser, e-mail attachments, Word or Excel scripts, file system) we recommend a leading provider of internet security solutions – BitDefender. Its solutions both for home and business users proved to be one of the most advanced and effective. Choose and get your BitDefender protection via the button below:

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